Friday, December 19, 2008

With Christmas budget cuts, people are looking for ways to buy fancy jewelry for their loved ones. People are now finding that they can still purchase diamonds for their loved ones, thanks to lab simulated diamonds. Diamonds are being created in labs and are identical to mined diamonds but half the price. If you are having trouble affording diamond jewelry, look into lab simulated diamonds.

Many people ask how to sell my gold jewelry online. TurnGold2Cash.com has a great article with tips on selling gold online without getting ripped off. With the current state of the economy, people need to get the most cash for their gold. TurnGold2Cash has actual case studies of gold buying companies so you can see who is paying the most.

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced that its “Four Cs of Diamond Quality” brochure is now available in ten different languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, traditional (or formal) Chinese, simplified Chinese, Hindi and Gujarati.

The Four Cs brochure is designed to educate the public about the main characteristics of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. This information is crucial to buying the perfect diamond and ensures that the diamond's price corresponds with its characteristics.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

In the diamond-mining industry, a blood diamond (converted diamond, conflict diamond, hot diamond or war diamond) refers to a diamond mined in a war zone, usually in Africa, and sold to finance an insurgency, invading army’s war efforts, or a warlord’s activity.

However, the concept of a blood diamond was not popularized until the 2006 Leonardo DiCaprio movie, 'Blood Diamond'. The movie's vivid images and touching storyline hit the mined diamond industry hard - all of a sudden consumers wanted to know how much blood someone may have shed for their engagement ring. This resulted in diamond lobbyists needing to clear their name, and start cracking down on the blood diamond market.

But how far have these lobbyists and PR firms come?

In 2004, Amnesty International and Global Witness conducted a survey of diamond jewelers to see if they were living up to their promises to stop the trade in conflict diamonds. It was discovered that while some efforts have been made, many retailers were not doing enough: Only 18% of stores surveyed could provide a copy of their conflict diamond policy and 22% said they had no policy at all.

This is why Renaissance Diamonds exclusively offers lab-created diamonds. You can be sure that our diamonds were not mined in conflict areas - because our diamonds were never mined!

A pave setting is characterized by multiple, evenly spaced diamonds usually surrounding a center stone. These smaller stones are held in place by fine prongs which enhance the sparkle and fire of the diamond ring.

Bobby Pickett, the voice behind the Halloween classic "Monster Mash," passed away in April of 2007 but his spirit lives on eternally on his daughter's finger.

Pickett discussed what would happen to his remains with his daughter before he passed away. She mentioned a new method of creating high quality diamonds with his carbon remains. Pickett loved the idea and now he remains immortalized as a diamond on his daughter's ring.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Researchers in Chicago may have found another reason for diamond studding but it doesn't have anything to do with bling.

Studded nano-diamonds embedded in flexible microfilm may be the answer to localized chemotherapy and cancer care.

Small fragments of diamonds are set in a plastic "cling film" like material and placed on the body like a patch. The tiny diamonds allow chemotherapy medicine to be released slowly over time and reduces the need for chemotherapy injections and the drastic side effects that come along with modern cancer care.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Alhough Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z wed about five months ago, she only just revealed her wedding ring. Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, whose jewelry Beyoncé favors for red carpet appearances, the platinum ring features a giant 18-carat diamond worth $5 million.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The GIA reported the findings of recent research which used a portable fluorescence spectrometer in order to examine the fluorescence of 240 fancy colored diamonds during a Smithsonian exhibit.

Diamonds ranging in color from pink, yellow, orange, brown, grey, yellow green and fancy white were studied in this groundbreaking research using a small, low cost, portable fluorescence spectrometer so the diamonds could be studied outside of a laboratory.

The researchers found that fluorescence corresponds to body color of a diamond and that fluorescence research may be the way to determine which chemicals are present in pink and brown fancy colored diamonds.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

There is a lot of controversy around the cultured diamond. These diamonds are synthetic, or in other words, not naturally made. While experts can tell them apart from real diamonds, experts do believe that they can be helpful when added to the industry. Synthetic diamonds are diamond crystals that have been produced by a very complex, technological process. In short, this method is a geological process done by man.

At a recent diamond conference held in Europe, the topic of cultured diamonds came up. The leading investment and corporate leaders in the industry talked about the effects that the cultured diamond would have on the markets. The key is that they did not say the diamond would cause the natural occurring diamond’s prices to fall. Rather, they believe that the synthetic formed diamonds will in fact help to provide some solution to the problem of demand, which the diamond industry has had a difficult time keeping up with.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Ok, I don't know who out there does not know what the term ” push gift” means, if you don't then this is for you.

A push gift is a gift a man presents a woman for giving birth to their child, now some might think, why should she get a gift for that? That is when I have to say, you try to get out a bowling ball out of a whole the size of a marble and let me know how you feel.

My friend recently gave birth to her first child and asked me to help her husband find the perfect push gift (she wanted to be surprised). Well do you know he was one of those souls who believed (as you see I used past tense) why should she get a gift. Well after explaining to him the necessity of the gift he relented, but do you know if he had his choice he would have gotten her a coffee maker or something (believe it or not). But then the magical day arrived, 3 weeks early I might add and her husband finally was a believer in the push gift.

When he witnessed the pain and suffering the women he loved went through to bring a life into this world, he did a complete 360, from coffee maker to not only a diamond but a pink diamond to welcome his newest addition into this world.

We went to JewelNet.com and found the most beautiful Pink diamond pendant that she can wear and pass down to their precious bundle of joy. Both mother and daughter are extremely happy with their new gift and plan on wearing it for many years to come.

Eva Longoria Parker, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson, Jessica Alba, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Heigl. It almost appears that all of young Hollywood has fallen in love. They have also fallen head over heels in love with their engagement rings.

When you’re contemplating an engagement ring, you may care to consider that engagement rings can tell you a lot about a person. According to jewelry experts, an engagement ring is as individual as the person who wears it. Here are three top celebrity engagement ring styles and some clues to what the style means:

Romantic Vintage InspirationVintage engagement rings are romantic and ornately crafted. However, you don’t have to scour estate stores to find vintage design. New, vintage-inspired rings are being meticulously designed to be just as beautiful as their predecessors. Platinum, white gold, and palladium are great options, as vintage styles are best suited for cool metals. Vintage and vintage-inspired rings say the person is passionate, optimistic and hopelessly romantic, suggest the experts at the Jewelry Information Center. Celebrities such as Kate Walsh, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Love Hewitt adore vintage styles.

Brilliant ColorGetting engaged is a colorful time in a couple’s life. Engagement rings are now equally as vibrant and vivid. Diamonds come in nearly every color in the rainbow. However, like a rainbow on a clear day, they are very rare. Being rare also makes them very valuable and pricey. Yet, small accent stones can be attainable and make a big impact. Women wearing colored diamonds want to make heads turn and are fun spirited while craving luxury. Heidi Klum, Rebecca Romijn and Brooke Mueller (Charlie Sheen’s fiancée) all have yellow diamond engagement rings.Engagement rings and wedding bands serve as a lifelong reminder of dedicated love. They are passed down through generations. Find the right rings by shopping with a reputable jeweler.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

The three major international trade organizations in the diamond and jewelry industry reached an agreement to abide by new rules set by the International Diamond Council (IDC) - a joint committee established in 1975 by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) to create an international standard for rules, working methods and nomenclature.The three organizations issued the following joint statement during the 33rd World Diamond Congress in Shanghai:

"CIBJO recognizes and respects the revised IDC Rules for Grading Diamonds, which was prepared by the International Diamond Council (IDC), which is a joint committee of IDMA and the WFDB concerned with diamond grading standards and nomenclature. The revised rules were approved in Shanghai by the executive committees of both IDMA and WFDB".

"The revised IDC rules include terminology that broadens the range of descriptors that can be used for gem-quality diamonds that have been created in laboratory or factory, and to date have been referred to as ‘synthetic’. According to the new IDC rules, gem quality diamonds created in a laboratory or factory can be described as: ‘synthetic’, ‘laboratory-grown’, ‘laboratory-created’, or ‘man-made’, and the descriptor must always be followed by the word ‘diamond’ or ‘diamonds’. Under no circumstances can the term ‘cultured’ be used to describe gem-quality synthetic diamonds.

At present, CIBJO's Diamond Blue Book only allows the descriptor ‘synthetic’ to describe gem-quality synthetic diamonds."

"Concerning diamond nomenclature, we have been aiming to get IDC - i.e. WFDB and IDMA - in line with CIBJO for many years. This important achievement bodes well for the development of the future of international diamond grading standard and nomenclature," enthuses Stephane Fischler, Chairman of the IDC, who praised the WFDB and IDMA Presidents and IDC officers for their support, and CIBJO Chairman Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri for his vision and statesmanship.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

I have recently gotten engaged, but the sad news is I still have not found my perfect diamond ring. As a gemologist, I have heard one too many times that I would hate to be the person who has to buy you a ring (God, I hated people saying that), but now I have to agree.

The pressure to find the perfect ring is amazing. I put it all on myself of course, this pressure, but it is there all the same. I just have to keep reminding myself that the ring will be perfect as long as I find it so.

I feel like everyone else, that I want something that is unique and different, and I have the ability to create it myself with my resources, so why shouldn’t I.

I started with shape, now that was hard, then style of ring, again very hard. Then finally it came to me, a colored diamond; but not any colored diamond a environmentally friendly conflict free diamond, that when wearing I know I am giving back to society not only in beauty but in keeping our earth safe for my children and my children’s children.

So with that decision made I had to find this glorious diamond, and surfing the web I did. Jewelnet.com offered me all the amazing colors and shapes within reach, to say the least I was very happy.

Now I am sure you all want to know what I have chosen, baited breath and all that, but guess what; I am going to keep you in suspense until that day the ring is on my finger and I am walking down the isle with my husband, let’s just call him Mr. Big!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Lab diamond maker Gemesis has announced the beginning of regular production of pink diamonds. This is the firm’s second color range since the commercial production of yellow diamonds was launched

Manufactures are expected to start receiving the rough output by late November of this year, with the first jewelry set with the Gemesis pinks projected to be in stores in early 2009.

Production will start with 1 - 2 carat rough, according to CEO Stephen Lux, though it is understood that larger goods of about 3 carats are expected to be produced at a later stage. The pink lab-created diamonds’ color ranges from fancy purple to vivid pink.

Since Gemesis came onto the market with their range of yellow diamonds, there has been an expectation that additional fancy colors will be introduced. While the company declined to comment, blue diamonds are likely to be offered next.

Gemesis diamonds sell at about a 30 percent discount to natural mined yellows of comparable size, color and clarity. Because of the scarcity of pink diamonds, the discount on the lab-made goods is expected to be less then 30 percent.

Monday, June 2, 2008

If you haven’t heard; everyone is talking Sex; meaning Sex and the City the Movie. I was one of the lucky ones who was able to attend one of the Premiers for the Movie and after Party.

May I say the clothing, shoes, jewelry, and just everything was amazing in the movie and of course, I had to dress the Part. The only problem was, who should I dress like? Miranda, all business; Charlotte, the Jackie-O style; Samantha, the colorful Vamp or Carrie, the chameleon.

Usually I would go like Carrie, but I found the most beautiful dress that was so Charlotte esk that I had to go that way. But you see no matter how beautiful the dress is without the shoes, bag and jewelry the outfit is not complete.

I would have to say that if you like the half hour show, you will enjoy the movie, and guess what you do not need a premier party to dress amazing, you can do it everyday of your life, it helps if you know were to shop.

Friday, May 30, 2008

According to this article on diamond jewelry, jewelry for pets is becoming more and more popular with pet owners:

Blame it on Paris.

The spoiled celebrity hasn't just had influence over the raising of the human hemline; she's practically single-handedly responsible for the mass posh-ification of pets, too.

Using her four-legged friends as dressed-up accessories, Paris Hilton has spawned an industry explosion of blinged-out bulldogs and chi-chi chihuahuas.

"You can trace it to the Paris Hilton thing for sure. I think that's when it really took off. You go to these trade shows nowadays, and there are tons of these booths full of this kind of stuff. It's in the last five years it's really taken off," says Michael Hoeper, manager of Pisces Pet Emporium.

The shop carries an array off accessories for the pampered pooch, including Chloe's Canine sparkly collar charms that look like diamond-encrusted bones and dollar signs.

The popularity of dog clothing has also skyrocketed, and both male and female pet owners purchase everything from precious leopard-print jackets with matching tutus and pillbox hats to tough stuff like leather jackets and bandanas -- Pisces carries a whole line of Harley -Davidson brand dog gear that includes leather collars, T-shirts, bandanas and leads.

Montreal-based Poochey Couture (poocheycouture.com) is a brick-and-mortar shop that also offers online shopping. The place is a howl, decked out in bubblegum pink and lemon yellow, stocked with racks of fashion for Fido, whether your dog tends toward geek chic, punk princess or trendsetter.

Many pet owners are content to just shampoo and brush their animals and call it a day in the looks department, but Hoeper says a lot of people like adding that attention-getting wow factor."I think it's that people see pets as an extension of themselves and dress them up. But they also just like to spoil them."

Friday, May 23, 2008

Fine Jewelry News has launched “A View from You,” a weekly opinion poll on its website, allowing visitors vote for their jewelry and fashion favorites, such as gemstones and metals, and weigh in on industry issues such as conflict diamonds and gem treatments.

The company, based in Wisconsin, says that the poll “gives visitors an opportunity to find out what they have in common with jewelry lovers around the world.”

In addition, the website features a forum called “Fine Jewelry Connection,” where they can ask questions, get second opinions on potential jewelry purchases and share stories and swap ideas with other visitors.

Fine Jewelry News provides jewelry news and information online and through its subscription-based bi-monthly e-newsletter, at http://www.finejewelrynews.com/. The company offers a free sample issue of the newsletter, and six bi-monthly issues are available for $15.95.

Friday, May 16, 2008

The 33rd World Diamond Congress saw the release of new International Diamond Council (IDC) rules for grading diamonds. The rules, standards on nomenclature for lab-created or synthetic diamonds, were prepared by a joint committee of IDMA and the WFDB, and stipulate that diamonds created in a laboratory environment must be labeled by approved terms.

Lab-grown, lab-created, man-made and synthetic can all be used to describe a created diamond, and these terms must be accompanied by ‘diamond.’ The committee emphasized that the term ‘cultured’ may not be used in reference to synthetic diamonds. Fischler said during the final press conference this was due to the fact that the word can be very easily confused with cultured pearls, which could imply an element of natural growth in the process.

“The intrinsic value of diamonds is based upon its uniqueness,” Fischler said. “Each diamond is unique. Lab-grown diamonds are in no way unique, and I think it is very important for everyone to understand the difference.”

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), said in a joint statement issued by with the WFDB and IDMA that it acknowledged and accepted the IDC’s regulations relating to the nomenclature of synthetic diamonds.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

According to this press release on cultured diamonds, Renaissance Diamonds announced Thursday that it has designed a new jewelry collection incorporating fancy vivid pink and blue colored lab-created diamonds. Gemesis, which supplies Renaissance, has yet to officially announce these new diamonds, though the development has been expected for some time.

Dubbing them “environmentally friendly created diamonds,” the “Breathtaking” collection comprises of fashion and engagement designs with pink and blue center stones set with micro pavé.

A Gemesis spokesman told IDEX Online that the firm could comment no further than to say that, as previously stated, Gemesis plans this year to begin producing and publicly selling cultured diamonds in colors other than yellow.

The source said that these colors included blues and pinks and that the announcement would take place sometime “in the next six to eight weeks.”

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I was at dinner last night with an old dear friend of mine. We discussed many topics in our catch up process but the one that still catches and replays in my mind is this.

He wanted to know if I was to look at a diamond, could I determine if it was mined or lab made. I pondered this for a while, even after dinner; and my conclusion was I don’t know.

I figured the only way to determine the origin of a diamond is with highly expensive equipment or a trained eye that can determine a growth pattern in the diamond, through the inclusions or lack of inclusions in the diamond. All of this can not be done with a 10x loupe; you would need a microscope to determine this.

Even after this little discovery of mine, I questioned people to ask what they thought. Some where stubbornly in the thought of, if I don’t get it form the earth and man has a hand in the process then it is not real, the old saying of, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck is it a duck? Then there was this one person I spoke to, the type that thinks they know everything, you know those type I am sure! Well after debating this issue back and fourth he finally agreed I was right, it is a diamond, but then to burst my bubble said, “but it want ever catch on”.

I am here working successfully at Jewelnet Inc and can say; guess what, it is catching on and it is a 100% diamond. Hey no one believed Christopher Columbus or Marco Polo when they said the earth was round and look at us today!

Friday, May 2, 2008

According to this article on fashion and jewelry, "Flashy male bling has reached a level of acceptance not seen since the 1970s."

IF you need proof that the old rules of man bling are dead, look no further than the recent dinner GQ magazine held in Beverly Hills for designer Scott Sternberg. Host Jason Schwartzman sported a silver beetle lapel pin with a spot of turquoise that perfectly complemented the shade of his Band of Outsiders suit.

A few tables over, a fellow let his French cuffs flap free while his beefy neck supported a chunky sterling silver Chrome Hearts cross. Next to him a thirtysomething sported a silver diamond pavé ring (also Chrome Hearts) -- on his middle finger. Two seats away, actor Gabriel Mann fiddled with the pair of thin black leather and silver Marc Jacobs bracelets on his right wrist.

Men's jewelry has traditionally been limited to the functional: watches, cuff links, wedding bands. But today Ashton Kutcher gazes out from the cover of the May Details magazine, adorned with a thin cord and single bead around his neck; Johnny Depp layers on the leather, silver and cloth bracelets at press junkets; Jeremy Piven chews on a Soffer Ari Star of David necklace in Gap T-shirt ads; and Brad Pitt hits the stage of "Idol Gives back" sporting a thin metal chain.

Granted, these guys could probably sling a pair of jumper cables around their neck and make a fashion statement, but they aren't the only men shopping for upscale hardware; U.S. sales in men's jewelry doubled to $6 billion from 2004 to 2006, according to Unity Marketing, a Pennsylvania-based market research firm.

Just this month, the 160-year-old jeweler & Co. opened its second and third men's-only boutiques in Japan; the company declined to comment whether it was the beginning of a global rollout. So what's behind the gold (and silver) rush?"

Men have become more comfortable with embracing fashion," says Michael Macko, men's fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue. "Guys are caring more about their appearance, and jewelry is definitely a part of that. David Beckham is a perfect example of a guy who wears a fair amount of jewelry."

At the same time, workplaces and social gatherings have generally become more casual. Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, points out that wearing a strong piece of jewelry "is a serious way of saying: 'Take notice of me.' "Jay Bell, senior buyer of designer men's collections for Barneys New York, said jewelry sales were up "triple digits" each of the last three years, and at a level of acceptance not seen since the '70s. "I give rap the credit," Bell said. "People like Diddy and Jay-Z started embracing it in the early '90s, which has led to the popularity we're seeing now."

"Necklaces first," he said, ranking popularity. "Then bracelets and then rings. Men are realizing this is an easy way to get instant membership in the fashion club."

...as Macko pointed out, "women tend to buy jewelry to go with an outfit. If a man buys a piece of jewelry, first of all it won't be costume jewelry, and second, it will be more as a talisman." What kind of talisman? Think God and country: "There are few motifs that have the sustainability of dog tags and crosses," he said. "We do incredibly well with both of those. We also have these spiritual beads by David Yurman, glass beads on a chain, in both necklaces and bracelets that are really strong."

Darren Gold, co-owner of Alpha Gear for Gents in West Hollywood, has noticed a similar trend locally. "Buddhist charms, the om [symbol] and anything spiritual like that has been huge."

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Hello, I wanted to tell you about the wedding I went to this past week. I was told this is the new innovation that is coming to society (I still have my doubts). Anyway this wedding was an eco-wedding, to the extreme. Ok I can understand and even appreciate wearing either a dress that has been past down from mother to daughter, even renting a fabulous designer gown for ½ the cost. But I will never come to grips with this one. Making a diamond from the ashes of a died person, as a gemologist and someone who loves beautiful things, I am sorry that is just icky. I mean you are wearing for the rest of your life, the remains of someone. That you usually know the deceased does not matter to me, and let be real are you sure that all the ashes came from granny or not.I mean think about it, on your finger for the next 25-50’s you will be wearing a dead body on your finger, it just brings visions of decomposing bodies (like on CSI Miami), or worms crawling out of eye balls in the latest horror movie..When some whispered that to me during the ceremony I almost gagged, then screamed, “If you are so afraid of affecting the environment, why didn’t you just buy a lhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Apollo_cultured_diamonds.jpgab grown diamond” and then they would not have a dead person on their finger, because lets be real, that is just disgusting!I of course never said anything to the bride or groom, but you better believe I said it to everyone else as well as give them the card to JewelNet. Basically saying if you ever get sick of the dead person on your finger give me a call.I know that was very brass of me, but that is just gross!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I just had the pleasure to see the extraordinary necklace in this little Palm Beach shop; I have to say being a Gemologist at first glance I did not know they were cultured diamonds. It was so vivid in color with about 72 stones with a weight of 62 carets I expected it to be priced at well over a million dollars. When they told me the price I had to do a double take.I mean if I can have something this beautiful then my old snobbish ways be damn, I will absolutely consider cultured diamonds that look like this.

With the price of everything from gas to milk being at an all time high who has the spare funds to waste on a luxury item. But when you are face to face with something this extraordinary how can you say no. For the price and quality it is a bargain that should not be missed. You know as soon as the world catches on to the craze of cultured diamonds the price will go up that much more. You know what, I also always like to find a bargain, it’s like winning a card game with a pair of 2’s, and you just know how good that feels.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Rejuvenation Hello Everyone, I can say this has been the longest most stressful week of my life. So many changes most them out of my control, which I hate, being the control freak that I am. Having all that stress makes me thankful that with everything going on; at least working at Renaissance diamonds has been a light in the dark tunnel.

I have been looking at the most breath taking diamonds that renaissance has created and I have ever seen. The best part is matching the diamonds to a stunning setting that accentuates the diamond itself; I always say “The setting is the packaging but what’s inside the box is what really matters.” I look at the diamond as what is in the box and the setting is the pretty packaging.

I do have to say that after hour upon hour your creativity and enthusiasm starts to wane, but it never fails that I then stumble on a gorgeous diamond and ring that just speak volumes to me and I rejuvenate.

I hope everyone likes what I have selected and will take a look at the finished product once it is done, to give me that stamp of approval that we never admit to needing but find we are always looking for. So cheers till then, I can’t wait for your comments, good bad or ugly, I’m a big girl I can take it, mainly because I know it will be Good!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Mattel's popular childhood icon, Barbie, is the inspiration of a new jewelry collection scheduled to be launched this month. The first collection, which features pink diamonds, precious and semi-precious colored stones and rare metals, entitled Silhouette, portrays the classic Barbie profile of a ponytail, long eyelashes and a ski-jump nose.

The collection includes two necklaces: the "Luxe" Barbie pendant and Barbie dogtag in 18k white, yellow or rose gold with black diamonds or yellow or pink sapphires; and, the "Classic" necklace in sterling silver.The collection also contains Barbie bracelets in sterling silver with 18k rose gold charms.

The jewelry, which was created by Layna and Alan Friedman, can be purchased at the Alan Friedman boutique or online for amounts which range between US$185 to US$15,000. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Children Affected by Aids Foundation.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

This blog is about the joys of womanhood; in particular, the joys of "Hot Flashes!" For those women over 40 that are currently or have experienced the joys of the HOTTEST moments (hottest ALONE moments, that is) of their life…this is for you.

Last night I woke up "on fire" in the middle of the night. I had an epiphany of what it must feel like to be a piece of carbon and experience High Pressure, High Temperature or HPHT. For those who don't know, in the jewelry industry, HPHT is an incredible technological breakthrough. HPHT allows the creation of gem quality diamonds in a controlled environment. Yes, Real Diamonds, created by man! Personally, I would not have any qualms about experiencing this mid-life HPHT dilemma if I could wake up after my flash to something as beautiful as a Renaissance Fancy Cultured Diamond left under my pillow like the "Hot Flash Fairy" had made a visit. Wishful thinking! Instead, I guess I will have to reward myself with the purchase of another Renaissance Cultured Diamond to celebrate my journey through life.

I'm a fun, happy, creative guy who lives in Lake Worth with my wife, our 7 year old boxer and our daughter (well she is due 06/08 but I’m still going to count her cause this is my blog) and we really love living in South FL.

What’s new? We’re having a baby!! That’s what’s new! The fact that the NY Giants have taken their third Lombardi trophy was huge for me in 2008, but nothing close to the fact that soon, I will be someone’s father!

A few months ago we had a doctor’s appointment where we did theultrasound that confirmed the sex of the baby. The Ultrasound lady poked and prodded my wife, all the while, staring at some blobs and flashes of light on the screen, and then all of a sudden she blurted out, "It's a Girl"!Somewhere in Atlanta, my sister in law smiled ear to ear. I asked the Ultrasound lady, "How do you know?" and she said, "Because I saw the 3 lines". All I could think of at that moment was “3 lines means girl?”

She printed us out a picture of what she says is proof of a girl with an arrow and the label “girl parts”. But I've got to tell you, the ultrasound looks like one of those mall posters where if you stare at it long enough and kind of unfocus your eyes, a boat or something pops out at you in 3D... I'm just not getting it.

There's a lot of people that ask me if was disappointed when we found out that we were having a girl, which is insane, because it couldn't be further from what I'm feeling. Before we even started trying to have a baby and someone would ask me what I wanted, I'd say either: "a healthy child" or “10 fingers & 10 toes”. That was true then, and it’s just as true now. I have to say though with all honesty, that if making a baby were like choosing candy from a vending machine, it would have been a boy. Simply, in my mind, a boy is just the easiest route. But, in less than 3 months, I'm going to be the proud parent of a little baby girl.I won't love her any less or be disappointed that she is not a boy. However, the thought of raising a girl is scaring the crap out of me.I sure hope she likes the NY Giants.

Excellent food and service but the greatest thing were the Models (not vogue Models) real women coming out wearing dresses of flowers. The one that caught my eye was done in all hot house orchids and this made me think of Cultured Diamonds and how even more stunning these gowns would look, with Splash of Colored Diamonds.

I even spoke to the coordinator and arranged for the next fund raiser we could also dazzle everyone with some of the most Vivid Color they have ever seen. What was equally flattering, is that they asked me to do their next show, girls you will understand this, my first thought was, not until I lose 10+ pounds; but of course this now gives me more motivation.

Just think about how beautiful the girls would look is frosting themselves with color,I can’t think of anything more delightful. I am personally picturing a beautiful Dolce and Gabbana or a Christian Dior gown with the most Vividly Elegant Cultured Diamonds, the color will just explode, I am even thinking of just jewelry with heels, that will make that special someone standup and take notice if you get my meaning.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

I love diamonds! That's right. I love diamonds. I am hopelessly, head over heels in love.

Now, anyone that knows me well enough, knows that I like things that are just a little bit off-center or out of the ordinary. I have seen some amazingly beautiful brilliant cut ideal diamonds. They're amazing and make me dizzy, but I ultimately love alternative shapes more than the rounds. Now don't get me wrong, it's not that I would ever refuse a piece of jewelry with a round diamond. My current favorite shape is the cushion cut, but as being a diamond gemologist, looking at diamonds all day long it takes a lot to impress me or, the other side of the coin, I see so many different unique diamond shapes that I can fall in love with a new diamond a week or month. This week I have not only experienced new shapes that I never had the pleasure to work with, but also the most beautifully vivid colors of diamonds that simply took my breath away. Now being a person that can touch and taste a multitude of diamonds, know that it takes a lot for me to ooh and ahh over a diamond, but these colors really did it for me. Their energy, strength, and luster just simply, even the most jaded of people, Men included; who lean more toward the idea of, are you kidding me, how much is that, a quarter is bigger then that and only cost .25 cents. That’s when I can proudly state, honey I have found you a deal of the century (deal being a magic word) and you can also make me deliriously happy and buy me the most perfect gift that, might just get you lucky or can count as my birthday, anniversary and valentines gift (only if 3.00carets and higher of course for so many occasions).

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Hey Inter-neter's, I'm Jill, Account Manager at Renaissance Diamonds. We have been requested to "Blog" by the powers that be and to tell you the truth, I really don't have a clue what a "Blog" even is? Wikipedia says, "A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order.”Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog." Huh? Anyone else still confused?

Someone else at work gave me a better description. He said "it's pretty much just a web diary" where I can chit chat, and just blab about Cultured Diamonds which I personally have a passion for or whatever topic comes up. So pretty much, it's like my work week, and my weekends and actually, it's just like me being me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Why didn't someone say that to begin with?

I just recently received my first Vivid Yellow Orange Renaissance Cultured Diamond ring which I LOVE.

Over 20 years ago, while vacationing in Aspen, Colorado my husband and I were just browsing the shops and we walked past a jewelry store and I literally fell in love with a magnificent Fancy Yellow Diamond ring. My husband who is the most generous, kindhearted man I have ever met humored me and we went inside to inquire about the ring. Needless to say, we walked out without the ring as we were only married for a short time and that ring cost more than our new townhouse. Until recently, before I started working for Renaissance Diamonds, I always thought I wanted a Fancy Yellow Diamond. I became educated that there are different hues within the color grading scale. Light Fancy, Fancy, Intense and Vivid Colored Diamonds. Vivid Diamonds which are the rarest and most expensive of colored diamonds and well beyond my budget unless I was someone like Jennifer Lopez. But fate brought me to Renaissance Cultured Diamonds and here I realized my Aspen dream became my reality with many more Vivid Colored Cultured Diamonds in the near future. “Keep your fingers crossed for me girls!”

This week’s blog is not completely about Cultured Diamonds, Mined diamonds or even the Ace of Diamonds!No, this week is about Football and Diamonds!Now I know you must be saying to yourself, “Football and Diamonds? It’s not even the right season?”“Has Erock lost his marbles?”No ladies and germs, nothing could be further from the truth.When I say Football and Diamonds, I’m talking SUPER BOWL RINGS.In particular, looking towards the NY Giants 2008 World Champion Super Bowl Rings!

It's the ultimate prize for a pro football player--a Super Bowl Championship Ring. Relatively few people will ever own one of these rings, which have become much more ornate since the Green Bay Packers were presented with the ring above after winning Super Bowl I in 1967.

The NFL pays up to $5,000.00 per ring, with up to 150 rings per team. If the rings are over the $5,000 limit, the team owners must make up the difference. Recent rings have been appraised in excess of $20,000 but manufacturers tend to keep this information confidential.

The spending limits don't actually affect the ring designs much, because jewelry companies compete heavily to be chosen as the ring provider, sometimes offering the rings at a discounted price in order to be awarded the prestigious contract.

So to recap, I have limited knowledge about Diamonds, but I am learning.I do however know quite a lot about football, but I don’t think the NY Giants would be interested in an out of shape Art Director on the squad.

Hmmm, I wonder what Renaissance Diamonds would have to do to get that ring contract? Stay tuned.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Ok, I just started this new job at Renaissance diamonds, that to be honest, I was not sure about! They sell Colored Cultured Diamonds, so before I took the job, I decided to see what google had to say about them. Apparently they are becoming the newest fashion trend; “thanks Kobe”.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Gemesis Corporation, producer of gem-quality, fancy color cultured diamonds, has launched a new website that serves as an educational tool for consumers and the trade. The Florida-based company has designed the site to inform the industry about the company, the growth process, general fancy color diamond information and diamond certification. The site also features jewelry brands carrying Gemesis Cultured diamonds.

“We have completely redesigned our new website with a fresh modern look,” says Gemesis President and Chief Exeuctive Officer Stephen Lux. The site can be viewed at http://www.gemesis.com/

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

So gang, this is my first BLOG entry. People have asked me for years why I don't have one and frankly I just didn't make the time. Until now. I actually have lots to say, some might say a little too much. Well poo on them! Here we go!

I started a new job 2 weeks ago as the Art Director for Renaissance Diamonds. My diamond experience thus far in my 38 years has been minimal to say the least unless you're talking about visits to Shea or the Bronx. My 2 Diamond Jewelry transactions have consisted of buying my wife (gf at the time) 1 caret stud earrings with the help and urging of my Mom and a 2.15 caret oval engagement ring, this time with the help of my future Mother-in-Law. Both times I remember saying,"EXCUSE ME!?", "YOU WANT HOW MUCH!?" and "Eric, you LOVE her, just do it!".

Working at Renaissance Diamonds has afforded me the opportunity to enter a different side of the diamond industry, the world of Environment FriendlyCultured Diamonds. A world I honestly had no idea even existed before the interview process for this new gig. After obviously nailing the interview (shameless plug), I did some research to see what the whole fuss was about. I found that U.S. retail natural diamond sales climbed to somewhere around $34 billion in 2006, Cultured Diamonds, also known as lab-created, manufactured, lab-grown or created diamonds, hopes for 5% of that market by 2008. I'm math challenged so I took my shoes off and counted with all my digits. We're talkin 1.5 Billion Dollars annually. Ummm, count me in kids, where do I sign up?

Thursday, March 13, 2008

According to an article on jewelry trends, bold designs top 2008 jewelry trends.

Wearing less jewelry pieces is more when it comes to the top jewelry trends for 2008, but the key ingredient for trend-setting fashionistas is larger, bolder styles that are gem-intensive.

That advice comes from Jesse Chao of Gems by Chao, a leading Houston fine jeweler. Chao specializes in advising her gala-minded clientele—a mix of socialites and philanthropists—and matching fine jewelry to their personal style.

In a statement, Chao said women who are already planning to attend galas will be wearing less fine jewelry but adorning themselves with larger, more impressive pieces, for a classic "Grace Kelly" look. Consumers can get the look by wearing a single, diamond-studded cuff bracelet or a one-of-a-kind cocktail ring, for example.

Cocktail rings have loomed on the trend radar for some time now, so the more unique the gemstone is, the better, Chao said.

As for men, sports stars and celebrities have long adorned themselves in diamonds, but the trend for 2008 is to incorporate large colored stones into bold pieces such as bracelets, cuff links and rings.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Currently, Gemesis only sells cultured diamonds - diamonds that share the same chemical and physical properties of earth grown diamonds but are grown under laboratory conditions - in yellow and orange.

The Florida-based company said it can currently produce colorless stones, but in sizes that would directly compete with the most prevalent mined diamonds and thus it felt no need to bring a product to market that is so readily available.

However, with predictions of a major shortage looming in larger white goods, the company’s said it is working consistently to grow stones in the 5 – 10 carat range. Gemesis expects these types of goods will be commercially available in about three years.

The supply of cultured diamonds remains extremely limited. Gemesis does not give exact figures, but the company is believed to produce and sell around 100,000 carats per year.

Friday, February 29, 2008

According to an article on cultured diamonds on Diamond Intelligence Briefs, cultured diamond producer Gemesis Corporation unveiled a collection of fancy color diamond jewelry worth more than US$2 million in Beverly Hills. The “Valentine Fancies Collection,” which was introduced at antique jeweler Frances Klein Classic Jewels, included collections of jewelry from Gemesis partners Diamande, Pintura, Renaissance, Savannah, Sienna Gems, Solaura and Taryn Rose.

A 64-carat fancy yellow cultured diamond necklace was among the earrings, bracelets, and vintage-looking pieces on display. Celebrities and celebrity stylists were among the crowd that attended the champagne reception.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Anyone shopping for a diamond engagement ring should first acquaint themselves with "the four Cs" - color, cut, clarity, and carat. Some also include the fifth c, cost.

Color: With the exception of "fancy colored diamonds", the more colorless a diamond is, the more valuable it is. Jewelers grade diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Anything more yellow than D is considered fancy and is much more expensive.

Cut: Many people make the mistake of thinking that cut means the shape of the diamond. Rather, it means the way the diamond was faceted to allow light to reflect from it. In a well cut diamond, light enters the diamond and reflects straight back to the viewer's eye. Some cutters will sacrifice cut to create the largest possible diamond, thus making too shallow or too deep of a cut and causing light to "leak" out the sides and bottom of the diamond.

Cut can be something very difficult for a layperson to evaluate, which is why it is important to get an AGS Certificate or a GIA Certificate verifying the quality of your diamond. Cut is graded Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Generally you should seek an Ideal to Very Good Diamond. Budget-conscious shoppers may opt for good.

Clarity: Diamonds frequently have inclusions, or small flaws, air bubbles, scratches, or other minerals inside the diamond. The less inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is, and the more beautiful it is. Stones that are VVS2 to F are very rare and thus very expensive. Most couples will opt for something between SI2 and VS1, and will never know the difference.

Carat: This refers to the size of the stone. While some value carat above all, others prefer a small ring regardless of budget. If you're buying a ring as a surprise for someone, consider how flashy their other jewelry is. If they're not someone who wears a lot of designer labels or big jewelry, perhaps you'll want to opt for a smaller stone.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Jewelry is always a big seller for Valentine's Day, but for many "diamonds" are not in the budget.

Now there is a new 'type' of colored diamond not found in a mine but grown in a lab.

It's got all the brilliance of a 'natural' stone, but costs a whole lot less!If diamonds are a girl's best friend, a discounted diamond could earn them a spot in the family.

So, for those looking for a fancy colored diamond, cultured diamonds may get you more bang for your bling."

A cultured diamond has the same characteristics as a natural diamond. Same hardness, same refractive index, same brilliance."

But cost about two-thirds less. Why?

Gary Kleinhenz, who is the president of Kleinhenz Jewelers in Westlake says, these diamonds don't come from the ground. They are grown in a lab.

"It's created under the same conditions that diamonds are underneath the ground."

The Gemesis cultured diamond making laboratory in Sarasota, Florida are where the diamonds are made. The process starts with a tiny diamond seed that is placed in a growth chamber. The chamber is capable of generating the 850,000 pounds per square inch of pressure and 2,700 degrees of heat necessary to make one diamond every four days.

"It is just crystals that grow upon crystals to create a larger piece of rough. The rough diamond is sent to the cutter to be polished into what you see in finished jewelry." When you put a cultured diamond on a diamond tester- it registers as a diamond. And when we held it under a blue light, you could see the the seed the diamond grew from, right in the center."

The nucleus of a Gemesis diamond is a piece of diamond.

Right now you can only get them in yellow and orange. Other colors will be available soon. Industry leaders don't expect them to replace the white diamonds everybody loves.

"I think most people want the whitest diamond they can find and fancy colored diamonds are almost for a right handed ring or a cocktail ring, moreso than the engagement ring."

The Gemesis diamonds are certified by the Gemological Institute of America. The key here is to know when you are buying one. Make sure you are dealing with a knowledgeable jeweler who offers full-disclosure about where the diamond came from.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Valentine's Day is a day of giving to those we love. For many, it's a day for proposals: Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year for "popping the question."

Valentine's Day is a day of giving to those we love. For many, it's a day for proposals: Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year for "popping the question." And what better way to propose than with a beautiful diamond solitaire engagement ring?

With so many new diamond cuts and brands to choose from, however, those in the market for an engagement diamond might find themselves reeling. The Internet is filled with information about the best ways to make a diamond purchase, and that's the first place many start. But can an online source be better than a trusted local jeweler when it comes to making the final purchase? What are the distinct differences between a so-so diamond and one that's truly out-of-this-world? What constitutes a fair deal? And of course, how do you select a jeweler you can trust and buy from with confidence?

Buying a diamond on-line may appear to be painless. But when it's time to make the purchase, it can be difficult to buy a diamond that's never been seen from to an unknown source. "The one-on-one relationship between an experienced retail jeweler and his or her customer is the one that usually matters most when the purchase of an important diamond is made," says Richard Swetz, chairman of the Independent Jewelers Organization, a consortium and buying group of retail jewelers whose membership reaches across the United States.

Here are some tips from the IJO on finding a jeweler and buying a diamond--on Valentine's Day or any day--that should help navigate this sometimes difficult terrain:

Familiarize yourself with the basics: The four-Cs--cut, color, clarity and carat weight--describe the proportion of a diamond as well as other important physical characteristics which will effect its price. Understanding the basics will help you to understand the diamond's price.

Learn how to read a diamond grading report: All reputable jewelers sell diamonds with grading reports or certificates, which provide a third-party evaluation of a diamond and heavily impact its price. All Forever10 diamonds display 10 hearts and 10 arrows making it the world's most brilliant diamond. The Forever10 is available exclusively from IJO Master Jewelers and comes with grading reports from either the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society Laboratories, two of the leading U.S. diamond gem labs. The grades include measurements of the stone, carat weight, color, clarity, finish, polish, symmetry and fluorescence. Additional comments may also be included as well as the diamond's plot or graphical representation.

Decide what you can spend--and where you want to put your money: A diamond engagement ring is a major investment and buying the best diamond you can afford is always good advice. With the expanding market for designer engagement ring settings, however, you should make an early decision about where your budgeted money will be spent: Would you rather spend more for a better diamond in a simpler setting or opt for a designer setting with a smaller stone?

Thursday, January 24, 2008

According to press release on environmentally friendly cultured diamonds posted on wallstreet online, Renaissance Diamonds Inc., has announced that Earth Share will benefit from the sale of its jewelry made with environmentally friendly, cultured diamonds.

Earth Share is a national federation that works to support the country´s most respected environmental and conservation nonprofits. With the introduction of earth friendly fine jewelry, Renaissance Diamonds emerges as an eco-conscious leader in the industry. This landmark Renaissance Collection includes environmentally friendly rings, pendants and earrings in stunning new eco-chic designs for those wanting to buy cultured diamonds.

The cultured diamonds featured in Renaissance earth friendly fine jewelry are real diamonds and possess the same properties as earth-grown diamonds. However, while 250 tons of earth must be moved to make a single mined one carat diamond, these extraordinary vivid yellow cultured diamonds are made above ground in an environmentally friendly manner. This is just one benefit for eco-conscious consumers to buy cultured diamonds instead of mined ones.

Renaissance fine jewelry featuring Gemesis Cultured Diamonds(TM), can now be worn in good conscience by consumers wanting rings that are both high fashion and environmentally friendly. Neil Koppel, President and CEO of Renaissance Diamonds Inc. said, "Earth Share is the ideal environmental federation for us to partner with. We believe that our earth friendly diamonds give consumers the opportunity to make more than just a fashion statement when they wear our jewelry, it makes them feel good that they have a choice to purchase an elegant diamond and also support a very worthy organization."

Renaissance offers an exquisite selection of environmentally friendly couture jewelry including fashion and engagement rings, pendants and earrings featuring the patented and beautiful Renaissance Cut(TM). The exceptional handcrafted designs included in the Renaissance Anniversary, Bridal, Fashion and Solitaire Collections are available in 18kt or palladium. While mined vivid yellow diamonds can range upwards from $20,000 per carat, consumers can now buy these vivid cultured diamonds and own the ultimate affordable luxury.

Renny Perdue, Executive Vice-President of Earth Share says, "Earth Share is grateful for the generous support of Renaissance Diamonds Inc., and commends Renaissance for offering consumers a beautiful and earth friendly alternative to traditionally mined diamonds."

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Most people are all too familiar with having champagne tastes on a beer budget. But when it comes to diamonds, you may be able to have it both ways.

That's because gem-quality diamonds are now being grown in laboratories in places like Sarasota, Fla., and Boston. Forget cubic zirconia and Moissanite, which are made to pass as diamonds. Lab-grown stones are the real deal. And instead of the millions of years it takes to create natural diamonds, they're grown by man in a matter of days.

"We've essentially recreated the same conditions that occur hundreds of miles below the surface," says David Hellier, president of Gemesis, the Florida company that specializes in growing colored diamonds. "After about four and a half days, we get a three-carat rough diamond. From that day forward, there's no difference between that diamond and one that comes from the ground.

"Even the Gemological Institute of America, the foremost diamond research and grading body, acknowledges that these are diamonds. "To say it's not diamond is really false," says William Boyajian, gemologist and GIA president. "It's just man-made diamond."

Truth be told, General Electric has been producing synthetic diamonds for industrial purposes for years. But until recently, creating gem-quality colorless or near-colorless diamonds that were big enough to cut was a thing of fantasy.

Consumers "can have the bling they see on the stars but at a fraction of the cost," Hellier says. Remember JLo's pink diamond engagement ring? Gemesis mostly sells yellow and orange diamonds, but is starting to offer pinks and limited quantities of blues as well.

Even to the trained, albeit naked, eye these diamonds look like the usual mined variety. "The material is beautiful," says the GIA's Boyajian. "You can't tell visually a synthetic from a natural diamond."

She arrived with her friend Brittney Gastineau and was joined on the red carpet by Paul Rudd, Megan Fox and Kristen Stewart. Also in attendance was Donald Faison (Scrubs) who was the host for the awards show. Some high profile winners sure to be in the running for an Oscar were James McAvoy (Atonement) and Ellen Page (Juno). Kim took the stage to present a breakthrough award to JR Totem, music producer once linked to beleaguered pop star Britney Spears.

I recently read that Kim was the host for a New Years bash at Miami hot spot Mansion where she was joined by boyfriend Reggie Bush of the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Some columnists claim they are engaged and others say they have broken it off already. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Heard about cultured diamonds, but want to learn more about these amazing gems?

Visit our new website, renaissancediamonds.com, and discover the affordable luxury of cultured fancy diamonds. You’ll find a stunning array of magnificent gems in beautifully handcrafted settings for rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants that are sure to make jaws drop. Plus discover a complete selection of loose diamonds in all the most popular cuts, including princess, emerald, heart and pear, ready to be placed in the setting of your choice.

Want to know what makes cultured diamonds unique? Read our FAQs and learn the facts for yourself in minutes.